Home security pricing: plans, equipment and total cost
Start with the monthly service, then add the equipment. Ring Solo camera recording is $4.99/month; Ring Pro is $19.99/month and includes professional monitoring for an eligible alarm setup after enrollment. SimpliSafe Standard alarm monitoring is $22.99/month, without camera recordings. Hardware and applicable taxes are extra.
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Monthly and annual plans: compare nine brands
All amounts below are U.S. dollars. Monthly and annual billing are alternatives where both are shown. Hardware, installation and applicable taxes or local fees are additional unless a specific offer states otherwise. Shopping links may be affiliate links.
On a phone, swipe the table to see coverage, sources and shopping options.
| Brand | Named plan and billing | What the price covers | Sources and shopping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abode | Standard: $8.49/month or $79.99/year. Pro: $26.99/month or $245.99/year. | Standard is primarily self-monitoring; Pro adds 24/7 professional monitoring. Buy compatible alarm hardware separately. Annual amounts are billed yearly, not monthly. | View deal → |
| ADT | Blu DIY: Video Connect $9.99/month; Self-Protect with cameras $14.99/month; Pro-Protect with video $34.99/month. | Only Pro-Protect includes alarm monitoring in this listed Blu comparison. These are subscription prices for the specified setup, excluding equipment. Professionally installed offers have separate pricing and terms; see the offer example below. | Ask Taylor about ADT → |
| Arlo | Smart Aware: one camera $9.99/month or $95.88/year; unlimited cameras $19.99/month or $215.88/year. Smart Secure (unlimited cameras): $29.99/month or $299.98/year. Ultra Secure (unlimited cameras): $49.99/month or $479.88/year. Annual totals are alternatives to monthly billing. | Arlo U.S. plan page checked September 23, 2026. Confirm compatible equipment, account eligibility and service availability at your address. Professional alarm monitoring requires the Arlo Home Security System and an eligible plan. The separate $299.88 prepaid 12-month offer linked here is final sale and lists 30 days of video/event recordings; it is not the standard annual price above. | View deal → |
| Cove Security | Basic $22.99/month; Plus $32.99/month; Premium $42.99/month. | Basic includes professional alarm monitoring. Camera support and storage differ by tier. Basic app access in the source applies to Cove Connect; the older Cove Simple Basic plan differs. Equipment is a separate purchase or payment arrangement. | View deal → |
| Eufy Security | Protection Basic $4.99/month or $49.99/year; Protection Plus $9.99/month or $99.99/year. ExpertSecure E10 Expert: $29.99/month. | These are different service families. Protection Basic provides user-requested dispatch access; Plus adds automatic monitoring with compatible devices. Expert is for the ExpertSecure E10 family. These prices are not universal camera-cloud fees. Check the exact hardware and app service offered. | View deal → |
| Ring Alarm | Solo $4.99/month or $49.99/year; Multi $9.99/month or $99.99/year; Pro $19.99/month or $199.99/year, plus applicable tax. | Solo covers one home doorbell or camera; Multi and Pro cover one location. Pro includes professional monitoring for an eligible Ring alarm setup after enrollment. Hardware is extra. Do not confuse video recording with alarm dispatch. | View deal → |
| SimpliSafe | Self-Monitoring with Camera Recordings $9.99/month; Standard $22.99/month; Core $32.99/month; Pro $49.99/month; Pro Plus $79.99/month. | Residential plans, billed monthly. Standard includes professional dispatch but not camera recordings; Self-Monitoring has recordings but no professional dispatch. Higher tiers add features and require compatible cameras for those features. Hardware is separate. | View deal → |
| Vivint | HomeProtect monitoring for eligible new customers: $24.99/month with the optional three-year agreement, or $29.99/month with no contract. Equipment and installation are separate. | The optional three-year offer pairs $199.99 equipment with free installation. The no-contract option lists $349.99 equipment plus installation. Confirm the exact installation fee and cancellation terms in writing. HomeProtect Pro and larger systems have different prices; these are not camera-package quotes. |
Vivint plan source · HomeProtect prices and terms Ask Taylor about Vivint → |
| Wyze | Home Monitoring: $9.99/month or $99.99/year. Camera plans: Cam Plus $2.99/month per camera; Cam Unlimited $9.99/month; Cam Unlimited Pro $19.99/month. | Home Monitoring requires compatible Wyze Sense alarm hardware. The required Sense Hub was shown as sold out on Wyze's builder when checked October 6, 2026; confirm hardware availability before choosing this service. Camera subscriptions are separate products; their advertised annual totals are $29.99 per camera, $99.99 and $199.99 respectively. Confirm camera compatibility and dispatch features for the exact service. | View Wyze starter kit → |
The brand guides below provide additional context; their older price examples are not refreshed by this page update. Use the manufacturer source and checkout for a current offer.
Calculate total cost without counting equipment twice
- Equipment and installation: List the actual hardware and all upfront charges.
- Recurring service: Identify alarm dispatch, camera recording, backup connectivity and optional features separately.
- Commitment: Record the service term, renewal rules, cancellation costs and equipment financing balance.
Purchase-cost method: equipment + installation/activation + service over the comparison period + applicable interest, taxes and extras. If the monthly rate changes, add each period separately.
Cash-flow method: upfront payment + installments and service actually paid during the period. Show the equipment balance still owed at the end. Do not call this the full equipment cost if installments remain.
For an unbranded example, $300 of equipment plus $25/month for 36 months totals $1,200 before other charges. Adding $100 installation makes it $1,300. These round numbers explain the method; they are not a manufacturer offer.
Additional costs to check
- Installation, activation, extra wiring and service visits.
- Alarm permits, required guard response and local false-alarm charges.
- Camera storage, cellular backup, internet or optional service add-ons.
- Replacement batteries and equipment outside the warranty.
- Financing interest, renewal pricing and permitted rate changes.
Use actual written charges for your address. An insurance discount is not included in these estimates; ask your insurer whether your exact setup qualifies.
An advertised package is not a universal starting price
ADT offer example: The current residential terms list a $99 professionally installed system with one ADT Base, three door/window sensors, one motion sensor and one eligible Google Nest camera. Monitoring starts at $59.99/month with a 36-month term, or 24 months in California. This phone-only offer is for eligible new customers with satisfactory credit, requires AutoPay, and expires November 9, 2026. Taxes, geographic availability and additional local charges can affect the total.
Read the exact ADT package terms
For that specific example, $99 + ($59.99 × 36) = $2,258.64 before tax and other applicable charges. This is a 36-month cost illustration, not a claim that every ADT customer pays that amount.
Vivint quote check: Its starting monitoring rate excludes equipment. Ask for the complete installation and equipment total, the financing schedule if used, and the service agreement. A promotion can waive installation; do not assume it is always free.
Separate monitoring cancellation from equipment debt
Month-to-month service can still have billing and cancellation requirements. Ending a subscription does not cancel a separate equipment loan. Cove, for example, documents a legacy Economy equipment arrangement for its discontinued Simple panel; that is different from current upfront purchases.
Check your signed ADT agreement for the initial term and cancellation formula. The current offer above allows a charge of 75% of service fees remaining in the initial term. Other products and offers have their own terms.
Choose equipment after comparing the service
Vivint
Professionally installed system
Compare the complete equipment, installation and monitoring quote. Check the financing total and service agreement separately.
SimpliSafe
DIY alarm option
Choose between unmonitored use, camera recordings, or a plan with professional alarm dispatch.
Ring
Alarm and camera subscriptions
Choose the plan for your devices and location; professional alarm monitoring needs an eligible setup and enrollment.
ADT
DIY and professional installation
Compare ADT Blu DIY plans separately from professionally installed packages and their contract terms.
Compare the features and written terms:
Compare equipment on Amazon
These are specific equipment options, not equivalent configurations. Compare kit contents, compatibility, retailer return terms and any separate monitoring or subscription requirements.
SimpliSafe 8-piece kit
Alarm equipment kit. Compare its included components with your home’s needs.
Check SimpliSafe kit on AmazonAbode 9-piece kit
Alarm equipment kit. Check the included hub, sensors and supported integrations.
Check Abode kit on AmazonWyze Cam v4
Camera only, not a complete alarm system or Wyze Home Monitoring kit.
Check Wyze Cam v4 on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Compare the quote before committing
Compare options, calculate your total and inspect the written quote. Confirm the final package and service terms with the seller.
Read the supporting guides
Contract and cancellation checklist
Questions about ownership, cancellation, renewal and equipment financing. The former numerical Contract Risk Index has been withdrawn.
Three-year cost calculation report
This report reconciles its stated historical inputs and calculations. It is not a current manufacturer price list. Use the current plan sources above when updating a personal budget.
Frequently asked questions about pricing
What is the cheapest home security system with monitoring?
Wyze lists Home Monitoring at $9.99/month, excluding compatible equipment, but its required Sense Hub showed as sold out on October 6, 2026. That is not a ready-to-buy system quote or proof of the cheapest complete setup. Compare available hardware, installation and the response features you need.
Do you have to pay monthly for home security?
Some devices retain basic functions without a subscription. Features vary: a local siren, camera live view, recording, app alerts and professional dispatch are different capabilities. Verify the exact model and unpaid-plan feature list before buying; do not assume every system includes free app control or alerts.
How much does professional installation cost?
Ask for the installation amount in writing, including extra devices, wiring and service visits. It may be separately charged, financed or waived by a promotion. The ADT offer described on this page includes specified installation; that does not make every ADT or Vivint installation free.
Is it cheaper to pay upfront or finance security equipment?
Compare the cash price with the down payment plus all installments, interest and fees. Financing at zero interest can have the same equipment total, but service requirements or promotions may differ. Check the actual offer instead of assuming financing always costs more.
What is ADT's cancellation fee?
For the specific professionally installed offer cited here, ADT may charge 75% of the monthly service charges remaining in the initial term. As a hypothetical calculation, 24 remaining months at $50/month would produce a $900 fee under that formula. Your signed agreement determines the amount and other obligations; Blu DIY has separate terms.
Which security system has the best price-to-quality ratio?
There is no supported numerical winner on this page. Start with required sensors and cameras, decide who should respond to alerts, and compare written equipment, service, installation and exit costs for those needs. A cheaper camera subscription may not provide the alarm monitoring you want.
What does 'no contract' actually mean for Vivint?
Paying for equipment upfront does not by itself tell you the service term. For eligible new customers, HomeProtect offers $24.99/month monitoring with an optional three-year agreement, or $29.99/month with no contract. Check the specific offer, notice rules and any equipment-financing balance. Ending monitoring does not erase a separate financing obligation.
What hidden or additional fees should I watch for?
Check installation and activation, taxes, permits, false-alarm charges, optional video or cellular services, replacement parts, financing interest and renewal rates. Availability and amounts depend on your location and offer. Have the seller identify which charges are included in the quoted total.
What happens to my security system if I move?
Ask whether the equipment can be moved, whether professional removal or installation is needed, and whether service is available at the new address. Confirm any new fees, term or plan change before moving. Update the monitoring address and emergency contacts before using alarm dispatch at the new home.
What is the average monthly cost of home security?
This page lists selected plan prices, not a representative industry average. Compare alarm monitoring with alarm monitoring and camera recording with camera recording. Check whether a displayed monthly amount is a monthly bill or an annual price divided by twelve.
How do I calculate my 3-year total cost for a home security system?
Add equipment, installation and activation to 36 months of service, plus applicable taxes, add-ons and financing interest. Count equipment once: use its purchase cost for a full-cost comparison, or show installments paid and the remaining balance separately for a cash-flow comparison. Include known price changes.
Does SimpliSafe charge a monthly fee if I don't subscribe to monitoring?
No paid plan is needed for basic unmonitored use such as app arm/disarm and camera live view with an internet connection. Professional dispatch, camera recordings and network backup require eligible paid service. SimpliSafe support also states that push notifications require an active subscription.
Is home security worth the monthly cost?
That depends on the response and recording features you need and whether you will use them. Professional monitoring can request emergency assistance when you cannot respond; it does not guarantee response time or prevent every incident. Compare the ongoing cost with your budget and the alternatives that meet your requirements.
Feature references: SimpliSafe push notification requirements; Ring alarm control and monitoring requirements.
Choose your next step
Build a shortlist, decode your current quote, or calculate ownership costs using your actual inputs.